Welcome to Turkey wander through the ruins of empires past scale ancient stone fortresses and soar above the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and marvel at the grandeur of Istanbul's mosques lose yourself in the bazaars and spice markets and awaken your senses with the incredible Turkish cuisine you will soon find yourself falling under this country's spell wow that was new this is the dream to journey family join us as we spend the next 10 days exploring Turkey flying to the center of Turkey we head to Cappadocia surprisingly the airport became a memorable part of our journey Turkey was celebrating the 100th anniversary of Republic Day and a lively group of dancers welcomed us upon arrival after enjoying this warm welcome we rush to catch our connecting flight let's see your flag Reese go Turkey A short shuttle ride brought us to one of the most unique places we have ever stayed a cave room fit for a while a traveling family okay we just got in here let's check it out Bailey we give us a little tour so this is the king suite the king s wanted a spot with two extra with two separate rooms so she can sleep when we can work there's still no door that's okay no no matter steps are uneven can I help you down big steps our first meal was Unforgettable do you cook it in an oven yeah in the pot Turkish ravioli and a lamb stew baked in a sealed clay pot which is then cracked open just before serving for the best flavor is so good that was just the best so what you what is in it lamb this is lamb mhm and Reese likes the bread what do you think about the bread the bread is it yummy mhm no the restaurant even brought soup for our little one free of charge and provided blankets so we could dine comfortably outside this was our first taste of the incredible Turkish hospitality we enjoyed throughout our travels at sunrise we woke to a site we had never seen before we were just in our hotel room and we heard a fire breathing dragon coming out so I came outside to see what was going on there's a hot air balloon that had just taken off in front of our hotel oh but just look at that it's amazing hundreds of hot air balloons drifting across the sky in the golden morning light again peek the magic continued over breakfast where our table was filled with traditional Turkish dishes and of course plenty of tea just a short drive from our base in Goram we visit Uchisar Castle a towering rock that was transformed into a fortress over the centuries tunnels rooms and storage spaces were carved into the soft rock creating a maze-like honeycomb of living spaces the ingenuity of using the natural landscape this way was truly incredible to witness this UNESCO world heritage site dates back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age climbing to the top of the castle the highest point in Cappadocia gave us stunning panoramic views of the valleys below no wonder this fortress has been so important in watching over this region for millennia we did it we made it to the top how does a butterfly fly? we spent hours exploring its many nooks and crannies imagining what life might have been like here you got this Indiana Jones just pull out your whip and swing across do you like this house cheese go give me big hug oh yes okay go find mommy oh you found her you did it good job from Uchisar Castle we hiked through Pigeon Valley back to Goreme Pigeon Valley gets its name from the pigeon houses carved into the rocks farmers once used pigeon droppings as natural fertilizer for their crops making these birds an important part of life here if you're going to take this hike be sure to wear good shoes and bring water offline maps helped us from straying off the path our hike back to Goreme felt like we were back at home in southern Utah but the call to prayer reminded us that we were actually far from home so weird to be in wilderness and be hearing that the call to prayer so cool back in Goreme we settled in for a break and a delicious lunch and and some herbs it's got like an orange drizzle on it as well now we get our Turkish pide p i d e it's like their Turkish pie Turkish pizza and this one has cheese and mushrooms those two they're so cute choosing to walk to the next chapter of our adventure brought smiles seeing all the unique sights along the way but we were eager to explore the Goreme Open Air Museum a 1,000-year-old cultural hub carved into rock (that's like five stories!) churches monasteries and living quarters once a gathering place to thousands of people hewn from natural stone pillars and chimneys between the 9th and 13th centuries Christians created this sanctuary to be a haven among the stones despite the dimly lit spaces they lived in the vibrant wall paintings we saw were breathtaking full of intricate colorful details that have lasted for centuries so we have this like three stories of off the ground it's easy to look around and see rocks with holes and a layer of paint but picturing people children monks worshippers living and learning in these caves turned cathedrals gave the sense of a heartbeat to the still stone walls though they seem long abandoned and not easily lived in in other similar cave cities in the area people lived in them even up until the 1950s all right we're just passing our time here at the playground at the school just across the street from our hotel waiting for our sister tia Chloe to come with us found her took long enough oh it was a long long day Journey but we're here right here here hit it with my sister joining us we were ready for the next level of adventure a level 200 ft below ground level Kaymakli at its peak housed a staggering 6,000 people in these tunnels that number in the thousands along with their animals and supplies ingenious air shafts and clever design made room for kitchens sleeping quarters schools churches and even wineries Kyle the holy light has been bestowed upon you you see the ventilation shaft here we're just on the first floor I it was mindblowing to think about people thriving in such a deep and expansive space and we channeled their bravery as we explored its depths look at this getting some nice shots of your butt here oh yeah it was mindblowing to think about people thriving eight stories below ground there that is just not not very big we're on our hands and knees here crawling through it's crazy what do you think could we stay in a room this size I think a few of our hotels have been about this size Reese sure seems to like it I want to go back this is our new home new home that's home we are now cave people afterward we rewarded ourselves with a well-earned treat what do you think how's the juice fresh it's very fresh my mouth pucker but yeah so good to walk a mile in someone's shoes you need the right outfit and maybe some pottery skills my sister and I left Kyle and Reese behind to try a pottery class in an ancestral home let's just say we walked away with a newfound respect for Turkish pottery because spoiler alert our creations were far from masterpieces is that what you had hoped to make the first time I I don't know what I the sun was just beginning to rise the Cappadocian landscape was waking up and it was finally our turn to explore the landscape from above wow how do you think Bails how you feeling oh I'm so freaking excited I was up an hour early I'm terrified of heights so this is going to be fun as the balloon lifted off I gripped the edge tightly unsure if I'd enjoy the view or keep my eyes glued shut but with every moment the beauty around me replaced fear with awe as the sun began to rise we joined the morning spectacle of glowing hot air balloons lifting off one by one into the golden light wow it feels unreal it's so quiet up here except for that the soft light unveiled a surreal landscape below towering rock formations ancient cities carved into stone and valleys that stretched out in every direction unlike anything I've ever done isn't it so cool scary as we began our descent I assumed the ride was over but boy was I wrong our pilot expertly navigated us weaving between other balloons and dipping into steep valleys lined with rock carved dwellings at times we got so close to the buildings it felt like we could reach out and touch them oh oh my go oh my gosh buzzing the tower (2 ft!) even with my fear of heights I can confidently say this was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of my life months later I still catch myself smiling just thinking about it when we finally landed safely back on solid ground we celebrated with a champagne toast a perfect ending to our truly magical time in Cappadocia up next we journey back in time to the legendary city of Ephesus walking along the ancient stone roads and through tunnels it was surreal to imagine life here over 2,000 years ago here we go we were walking in the footsteps of the Ephesians Ephesus is often regarded as one of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world outside of Italy it's a treasure trove of everything iconic about Roman culture grand amphitheaters for performances and preaching intricate street art and inspiring architecture the city also showcases Roman ingenuity from water systems and transportation to public restrooms although it's worth noting they're strictly for viewing these days the great theater of Ephesus with a capacity of 25,000 must have been an incredible venue for gatherings performances and sermons standing there it was easy to picture the energy of the crowds today though we enjoyed a different kind of performance then there was the Library of Celsus a true masterpiece its stunning two-story facade adorned with intricate carvings and perfect symmetry seemed to radiate enlightenment and knowledge at the library's entrance four female statues stand as symbols of Roman ideals wisdom knowledge intelligence and excellence while we stood in awe Reese had other priorities it turns out even world-class ruins can't compete with nap time next we visited the House of the Virgin Mary a sacred site believed to be her final resting place whether or not the historical evidence confirms its authenticity the spiritual energy of this place is undeniable the walls surrounding are adorned with scraps of paper and cloth bearing prayers and wishes in dozens of languages up next we make our way to Turkey's bustling capital Istanbul this incredible city spans two continents Asia and Europe and with a population of about 15 million it's the largest city in Europe and it's not hard to see why we made it did our journey began at one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks the Hagia Sophia your head today it's a functioning mosque so visitors should dress modestly she knows what she's doing she's got it down entry is free but the lines can be long completed in 537 AD under the orders of Roman Emperor Justinian its massive dome was the largest in the world for nearly a millennium only surpassed by Brunelleschi's dome in Florence during the Renaissance originally a cathedral then a mosque then a museum and now once again a mosque the Hagia Sophia is a symbol of Istanbul's layered history the architectural blend of Byzantine and Ottoman elements tells a story that spans centuries what do you think Bailey so cool that's really cool it really is it's very it feels like gold box this was our first time visiting a mosque and it was a deep enriching experience we observed worshippers performing Salat a ritual prayer performed five times daily at specific times worshippers faced the Kaaba in Mecca with movements symbolizing humility and submission to Allah after exploring the Hagia Sophia we ventured out to experience another facet of Istanbul life its rich culinary tradition which like the city itself blends influences from across the globe as the sunset over Istanbul's rooftops we dined on mouthwatering traditional Turkish dishes many of which were once served centuries ago to the sultan himself we don't belong here oh you guys are so cute the lamb shank slow cooked to perfection was tender and delicious and the sweetness of apricots and the warmth of spices blended beautifully then came a unique favorite a stuffed melon filled with savory minced meat currants and almonds A surprising and delicious combination though day two cool stick with sticks in hand we stepped into the Topkapi Palace the former home of Ottoman sultans and a true masterpiece of design we picked an entrance at random not knowing what treasures we might stumble upon inside we did find a treasure not of gold or jewels but of silks and velvets lavishly embroidered and inscribed with calligraphy that once symbolized power wealth and authority these are talismanic shirts the artistry left us in awe what' you think so cool I feel underdressed a little bit the next stop the Sultan's Library every detail from the intricate tile work to the illuminated manuscripts emphasized the immense value placed on knowledge she's so pretty whether wandering the courtyards or marveling at the interiors we found beauty at every turn both in this culture so different from our own and in sharing the experience with our family oh my goodness you're so quick getting run run here in the women's palace I'll let you take in the stunning gold leaf geometric designs the intricate tiled walls and the surprisingly lifelike wax figurines after our palace explorations it was time to hit the road almost quite literally as trains sped by just a little too close for comfort wow that was new we stopped for fresh lahmacun corn and simit and while we each managed a few bites Reese wasted no time in claiming her share is that good that's so good huh yum corn on the cob I had I had maybe two bites before she took over devoured the whole thing oh and now you would like some of mine recharged we made our way to one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks the Blue Mosque as we approached the stone structure we couldn't help but notice the cascading dome stacked looked like a stone waterfall it's beautiful my sister and I covered our hair as other women did out of respect my first thought absolute brilliance the walls seemed to glow with bright blue tiles spanning the ceiling catching the light pouring in through the stained glass windows every inch felt alive with energy and devotion it's mindboggling to think that this architectural wonder despite its immense size and detail was completed in just 8 years wow just so beautiful the sultan of the time poured a staggering 15 million AKC into its construction a fortune that would translate to hundreds of millions of dollars today after such a day we felt like treating ourselves to a sultan worthy dinner a restaurant nestled in a nearby neighborhood with great reviews served us our favorite meal of lamb and fresh vegetables kept perfectly hot and flavorful by complimentary tabletop fire absolutely delicious on our final day in Istanbul we decided to set out and see the city on foot soaking in it rhythm the Galata Tower stood tall above us its 14th century stone walls offering a glimpse into the past though we didn't climb to the top we wandered the streets around cobblestone alleys lined with historic buildings one small restaurant tucked away in an industrial district adjacent caught our eyes here we enjoyed a hearty lunch the kind of meal that local workers might savor during a break making our way across the iconic Galata Bridge stretching across the Golden Horn we watched local fishermen lineup casting their lines into the water below in hopes of a fresh catch visiting the spice bazaar and Grand Bazaar you are struck with the vibrant colors of the spices fruits and candies but as we walked around I began to feel a bit underwhelmed the products felt cheap and overpriced and every negotiation seemed more like a performance rose petal and pomegranate with some pistachio nuts good we left with a couple of items more for the sake of the experience than their actual value making it a place worth visiting for its ambiance but not necessarily for good shopping experience but again this comes from someone who definitely wouldn't classify themselves as a shopper yeah we then made our way up the hill to the Suleymaniye mosque where we paused to take in one last view of Istanbul it's skyline a mix of minarets, domes and the timeless waters of the Bosphorus as we stood there looking out over the city that had left such an impression on us we reflected on everything we'd seen its history its vibrant culture and the incredible journey we have shared if you've enjoyed this journey with us consider subscribing to our Channel and if you'd like to go to the extra mile please consider supporting us on patreon it covers the cost of video production and helps us keep these adventures going next time we find ourselves exploring Spain thanks for watching and as always dream big and enjoy the journey
2025-01-20 03:11